Tephrosia purpurea-A magical plant with blessings in human biological system

Tephrosia purpurea is a species of flowering plant in the pea family, Fabaceae, that has a pantropical distribution. It is a common wasteland weed. In many parts it is under cultivation as green manure crop. It is found throughout Kashmir Himalayan mountains and Pakistan in poor soils.

Tephrosia purpurea has played an important role in the traditional medicine. Thus, the modern pharmacological and clinical investigation of Tephrosia purpurea herb is a valuable herbal therapy that has an antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and antiulcer properties.

Tephrosia purpurea plant has played an important role in the traditional medicine. Thus, the modern pharmacological and clinical investigation of Tephrosia purpurea is a valuable herbal therapy that has an antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and antiulcer properties.

According to Ayurveda literature this plant has also given the name of “Sarwa Wranvishapaka” which means that it has the property of healing all types of wounds. It is an important component of some preparations such as Tephroli and Yakrifit used for liver disorders. In Ayurvedic system of medicine various parts of this plant are used as remedy for impotency, asthma, diarrhoea, gonorrhoea, rheumatism, ulcer and urinary disorders. The plant has been claimed to cure diseases of kidney, liver spleen, heart and blood. The dried herb is effective as tonic laxative, diuretics and deobstruents. It is also used in the treatment of bronchitis, bilious febrile attack, boils, pimples and bleeding piles.2

The roots and seeds are reported to have insecticidal and pesticidal properties and also used as vermifuge. The roots are also reported to be effective in leprous wound and their juice, in the eruption of skin. An extract of pods is effective for pain, inflammation and their decoction is used in vomiting. The aqueous extract of seeds has shown significant in vivo hypoglycemic activity in diabetic rabbits. The ethanolic extracts of Tephrosia purpurea possessed potential antibacterial activity. The flavanoids were found to have antimicrobial activity. The phytochemical investigations on Tephrosia purpurea have revealed the presence of glycosides, rotenoids, isoflavones, flavanones, chalcones, flavanols, and sterols.1-2